Convert the evaluation edition of Windows Server to the standard edition

If, like me, you quickly created a new server or VM using the evaluation download from Microsoft, you'll find that when you get your license key and try to plug it in, it doesn't work. You can't just use an otherwise valid key on an evaluation copy of Windows Server . 

But don't worry, the solution is very simple. All you need to do is run this command from an elevated command prompt: 

DISM /online /Set-Edition:<Edition-ID> / ProductKey:XXXXX -XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX / AcceptEula 

The edition ID is ServerStandard . Then enter your product key. The server will complete the image conversion process and then reboot twice. 

After restarting the server, you must re-activate the server and re-enter the key.

Note that if you used a trial version to create a domain controller, you cannot change the edition. You must either create a new domain controller or demote the trial version domain controller, set the version ID, and then promote it again.

This key can only activate ONE Windows device ONCE. Once the activation process is complete, you CANNOT use the same key again. Formatting the hard drive effectively deletes the key. You CANNOT transfer the license to another computer.

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• • online activation
  • No connection to your Microsoft account
  • Cannot be reactivated / transferred to another computer
  • Instant delivery – 2 minutes
  • Activation instructions in the email with the key
  • Permanent activation
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Multilingual
  • Updates possible
    
  • live chat or email support

Windows Server is the operating system that connects on-premises environments with Azure services, enabling hybrid scenarios that maximize existing investments. Increase security and reduce business risk with multiple layers of protection built into the operating system. Evolve your data center infrastructure to achieve greater efficiency and scalability with hyperconverged infrastructure. Empower developers and IT professionals to build cloud-native applications and modernize their traditional apps using containers and microservices.

Microsoft Server 2019 Standard is the middle priced version of the three, but it is very similar to the most comprehensive version of Windows Server, Datacenter.

This innovative software effortlessly manages workloads for cloud-enabled tasks, making it ideal for enterprises. The standard version is perfect for physical or virtualized environments, meaning medium to large businesses need multiple access to the server. Users have access to great features like server virtualization, web application platforms, virtual desktops, server management, and much more.

Windows Server Standard Edition provides a comprehensive server platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use, helping organizations lower their total cost of ownership (TCO). Support from a wide range of Microsoft third-party hardware and software partners also helps users achieve the highest return on their server investment with Windows Server.

Designed for small businesses and departments, Windows Server Standard Edition provides intelligent file and printer sharing, secure Internet connectivity, centralized delivery of desktop applications, and web solutions that connect employees, partners, and customers. Windows Server Standard Edition delivers high levels of reliability, scalability, and security.

Improved security

The standard version is installed with multi-layered security to block server attacks and system breaches. It protects the cloud by detecting suspicious activity and allowing only trusted software to run with Device Guard.

Control Flow Guard protects against external and internal memory attacks. The multi-layered system protects the integrity of your data.

Efficient data center

The main feature of Server Standard 2019 is its speed and flexibility with an efficient data center. The operating system adapts to your needs while reducing costs due to its diverse computing, storage and networking features.

You can automatically transfer network control planes from hardware to software without setting switches. It has high-performance memory and a strong server operating system with software-defined storage capabilities.

cloud-based applications

The standard version includes several cloud-based applications that allow you to safely run existing apps on Windows Server 2019 without having to modify them. You can also move existing applications to a DevOps environment without seeing any impact of the change. If you need to use different applications, the server allows you to create cloud and hybrid apps.